High Power Conversion & Distribution

The growth in cloud-based computing and a global focus on reducing energy consumption are creating increased value for power electronics. But power capacity is not keeping pace with consumption. Advances such as wide bandgap semiconductors are cutting power conversion losses by up to 75%. This will significantly shrink the size of PV inverters, for example, and cut energy use. At the grid level, large substations with inflexible demand response and limited storage are being replaced by suitcase-sized distributed resources that provide real-time data, flexible demand response, and expanded storage. Developments in clean energy and IT are creating new markets, including PV inverters, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and smart metering.

High power conversion and distribution systems rely on high performance semiconductors, such as IGBTs and superjunction MOSFETs. These compact devices provide high current density and low power dissipation. This results in higher efficiency and smaller heat sinks, reducing overall system costs.